The big rail shutdown

The Perth Train Station will close from 10:30am on Friday 17 August until first service on Monday, 20 August for major works to proceed with the sinking of the Fremantle line. Travel on the Fremantle. Midland, Armadale and Thornlie lines will be affected.

David Hynes, Manager of Corporate Communications for the Public Transport Authority says the shutdown will disrupt four train lines, but is essential.

"We've now reached a crucial stage where we have to unplug a line, and plug it in again, and to do that we need to close down Perth station for 68 hours," he said.

"What's happening here is probably one of the most exciting things that has happened here for 100 years."

"We are finally bringing the CBD and Northbridge together. To do that a lot of work has been taking place over the last year."

"Over the weekend the tangle of railway lines west of the Horseshoe bridge will be moved across to the Wellington street side to give the workers space to dig the tunnel, to allow the Fremantle line to go underground."

The PTA is suggesting passengers carpool, cycle or work from home on Friday to avoid being stranded.

Affected lines

The Midland, Armadale and Thornlie lines will stop at Claisebrook station in East Perth.

The Fremantle line will stop at West Leederville.

The Joondalup and Mandurah Lines will be unaffected.

Mr Hynes said that "a fleet of busses shuttling people between West Leederville and Claisebrook, through the city, during the shutdown"